December Programming at the CDA Library
DECEMBER PROGRAMMING
Children’s Weekly Programs
Holiday Baby Story Time (0-18 mo) - Tuesdays, December 3, 10, 17 (9 & 11 am)
Celebrate this cheerful season with a sweet storytime that’s designed for caregivers to share quality time with their baby! We’ll bounce, giggle, listen to flannel stories, sing catchy songs, and make silly actions that will bring a smile to your little one’s face. Participants are encouraged to stick around afterward for playtime and adult conversation. You might even leave with ideas for new engaging ways to introduce developmental activities at home!
Holiday Toddler Story Time (18 mo-3 yo) - Thursdays, December 5, 12, 19 (9 & 11 am)
Bring your toddler to the library for some festive fun! Of course, we’ll read great stories, but there will also be plenty of singing, dancing, and silly moves to keep youngsters busy. All of the activities are intended to delight and emphasize early learning concepts. After storytime, you’re invited to stay for unstructured playtime filled with creative opportunities and fun toys.
Holiday Pre-School Story Time (3-5 yo) - Fridays, December 6, 13, 20 (9 & 11 am)
December is a great time to introduce preschoolers to the fun of group activities such as storytime at the library! You can expect entertaining stories that nurture your child’s imagination along with fun activities that fuel their curiosity and build literacy skills. In addition to offering plenty of music and movement, this storytime always ends with an exciting, crowd-pleasing craft.
From Books to Bricks (Ages 6-12) - Mondays, December 2, 9, 16 (4-5 pm)
Bring your creative ideas and building skills to the library for this LEGO program! Each week, the library will share a favorite book that’s chosen to inspire a LEGO building challenge, then participants will have the rest of the hour to create a masterpiece. One noteworthy creation will be chosen at the end of each program to feature in the library’s glass display case for the community to admire throughout the week.
Children’s Special Programs
Paws to Read (All Ages) – Mondays, December 2 (10:30-12 pm) & December 16 (3:30-5 pm)
Bring your young reader to the children’s library to read to a real, live therapy dog. This is the perfect program for children who are working on building their reading confidence or who love sharing books with a furry friend. These dogs love to hear stories and are ready to help you become the best reader you can be!
Holiday Gift Making Workshops for Kids of All Ages
REGISTER HERE: https://cdalibrary.org/library-events/register-here/
Have fun participating in the season of giving by creating your own handmade present to gift to someone special this holiday season. Each class will be followed by a giftwrapping opportunity. Please register online for the program you’d like to attend so that we can make sure to have enough chairs, helpers, and supplies.
Pre-School Gift Making Workshops (Ages 3-5) – Wednesdays, December 4, 11 (10-11am)
December 4: Painted Rock Photo Holder - Have fun turning a river rock into a decorative photo holder, complete with a mini polaroid photo of the artist. Whoever’s lucky enough to receive this awesome gift will surely treasure it!
December 11: Upcycled Locket - Create an artistic necklace that’s centered around your portrait. Any loved one on your gift list will be thrilled to wear this remarkable piece of jewelry.
This event is intended for children ages 3-5 years old and their caregivers.
Younger Kids Gift Making Workshops (Ages 5-8) – Tuesdays, December 3, 10 (4-5 pm)
December 3: Self Portrait Printmaking - Create a unique self-portrait using relief printmaking techniques. You’ll leave with a piece of art that someone special will proudly display for years to come!
December 10: Woven Potholder - Use a weaving loom to fashion a timeless potholder. This functional art will be the perfect kitchen tool to delight the cook on your list!
This event is intended for children ages 5-8 years old.
Older Kids Gift Making Workshops (Ages 9-12) – Wednesdays, December 4, 11 (4-5:30 pm)
December 4: Embroidered Corner Bookmark - Learn basic embroidery stitches to create a one-of-a-kind felt bookmark. Whoever unwraps this gift is sure to be the envy of everyone in their book club.
December 11: Tin-can Lantern - Try using traditional tin-punching methods to produce a tin-can lantern with a decorative beaded handle. When lit, it will brighten the home of the lucky recipient!
National Park Explorers: Mount Ranier (Ages 6-12) – Thursday, December 12 (1-2 pm and 4-5 pm)
A program where science meets adventure! Join us on the second Thursday of each month to explore the natural beauty, history, wildlife, and geological wonders of America’s National Parks. Each month will highlight a different park’s unique features, and we’ll conduct a hands-on experiment designed to explore the science behind them. This month we’ll learn about a park in our own neck of the woods, Mount Ranier National Park. Since this is America’s snowiest National Park, it will give us the perfect opportunity to discover more about winter’s ice crystals.
Christmas Puppet Show – Saturday, December 7 (10:30 am, 11 am, 11:30am, and Noon)
Visit the library for an old-fashioned puppet show that’s based on Karma Wilson’s woodland tale, Bear Stays Up for Christmas! This story is full of charming characters and silly situations that perfectly capture the spirit of Christmas. In our puppet adaptation of the book, there will be plenty of familiar songs and fun opportunities for audience participation. Four performances will be offered at 10:30am, 11am, 11:30am, and 12pm in the Children’s Story Room.
National Letter Writing Day (All Ages) – Saturday, December 7 (all day in the children’s library)
Celebrate National Letter Writing Day by writing a letter to Santa Claus at the library on December 7th! We will have everything needed to compose the perfect holiday message to the Jolly Old Elf. Festive stationery, fun writing tools, and a special post box with express delivery to the North Pole will be available!
Mudgy, Millie, and Santa Sing-Along (All Ages) - Saturday, December 14 (11 am)
Join us for a holiday even which promises to be a wonderful time for the whole family. Children will have the opportunity to meet Mudgy Moose Millie Mouse, and Santa Claus and author Susan Nipp. The Community Room will be filled with joy and laughter as we celebrate the holiday season together. Don't miss out on this chance to create lasting memories with your loved ones. We hope to see you there!
American Girl of the Month Club: Josefina (ages 6-12) – Thursday, December 19 (1-2 pm and 4-5 pm)
Join us on the third Thursday of every month to celebrate the diverse culture of the United States! Each month will feature one of American Girl’s historical dolls and include fun activities that are inspired by her era and heritage. The December program will spotlight a girl named Josefina Montoya, who lives on her family’s rancho in colonial New Mexico in 1824. Christmas is a very important holiday to Josefina and her family, so we’ll be focusing on this festive theme as we learn about her world through their Christmas traditions.
Saturday with the Symphony: A Children’s Holiday Program (3+yo) – Saturday, December 21 (11 am)
Children 3 and older can enjoy “Saturday with the Symphony” from 11-11:45am Saturday, at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library. The free music education program is coordinated by the Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra and recurs the third Saturday of each month. The music-filled hour will include favorite instrumental Christmas tunes, an interactive seasonal activity, and a holiday book read by the children’s librarian. Come for a lively morning of musical enrichment!
Idaho Battle of the Books Club: Elementary (Grades 4-6) – December 21 (1 pm)
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: cdalibrary.org/library-events/ibob3-5
It’s like sports, but with books! Participate in a fun statewide reading experience by joining a team at the Coeur d’Alene Library. IBOB is a program that brings booklovers together to compete in book-themed trivia competitions that focus on quality literature, comprehension, and teamwork. Registration is required, along with a commitment to join a 4-person team, read at least 4 of the 16 IBOB curated book titles, and attend 1pm book club meetings on the 3rd Saturday of each month from December through February. Participants will be expected to attend our library’s competition in March, with the possibility of moving on to district or regional competitions where they’ll battle kids from other libraries and schools. Registration and the list of book titles are available online at cdalibrary.org/library-events/ibob3-5
Idaho Battle of the Books Club: Middle School (Grades 6-8) – December 21 (2 pm)
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: cdalibrary.org/library-events/ibob6-8
We added a new division this year! Now middle school students can join an IBOB team at the Coeur d’Alene Library. This is a great option for homeschool students or kids who attend local schools that aren’t participating in this program. Please visit our website to learn more about the curated reading list, commitment details, and registration information. Get ready to read! IBOB is a program that brings booklovers together to compete in book-themed trivia competitions that focus on quality literature, comprehension, and teamwork. Registration is required, along with a commitment to join a 4-person team, read at least 4 of the 16 IBOB curated book titles, and attend 2pm book club meetings on the 3rd Saturday of each month from December through February. Participants will be expected to attend our library’s competition in March, with the possibility of moving on to district or regional competitions where they’ll battle kids from other libraries and schools. Registration and the list of book titles are available online at cdalibrary.org/library-events/ibob6-8
Kids Movie at the library – December 30 (2 pm)
Join us for popcorn and a movie on the big screen in the Community Room. We will be viewing Disney’s 2019 retelling of the animated classic, Lady and the Tramp. You’ll love this live-action story about a pampered house dog and a tough but lovable stray who embark on an unexpected adventure. Despite differences, they grow closer and come to understand the value of a home. Rated PG and runs for 103 minutes.
Take & Make Crafts
While we take a break from regular programs over the holidays, you can pick up a yummy edible Christmas craft to-go from the children’s library during the week of December 23. We’ll also have a New Years art project available the week of December 30, while supplies last.
Blocks over Break – January 2 (1-3 pm)
While school’s out and we’re taking a break from regular programs, come to the library to play with our collection of Big Blue Blocks! We’re going to set out oodles of giant building blocks for kids to create whatever they’d like during this nonstructured play opportunity in the children’s library.
Create-A-Bookmark Scavenger Hunt
Explore the children’s library during the month of December by participating in a fun scavenger hunt that will lead you through the process of turning a paper evergreen tree into a Christmas tree bookmark! Good luck tracking down the hidden tree trimmings!
StoryWalk® in the Parks
Stroll through McEuen Park this winter while reading Woodland Dreams by Karen Jameson. Each page of the book is posted alongside a path that stretches from the library to the playground. The Library’s Higgens Point State Park StoryWalk will feature Snuggle Down Deep by Diane Ohanesian.
Teen Weekly Programs
In a Teen Zone Minute (Ages 12+) – Tuesdays, December 3, 10, 17 (released by 4 pm)
Get a quick virtual update from our Teen Librarian about teen events, library services, volunteer opportunities, and more on TikTok (@cdalibrary) or our Teen Zone Newsletter Substack (Need something more accessible? The updates on Substack are available in video, podcast, & text-only formats.)
Creative Arts Club (Ages 12-19) – Thursdays, December 5,12,19 (4-5 pm)
Make art—and friends! Explore your creative, crafty, artistic side, and get help when you’re struggling creatively. We’ll have art and crochet supplies available to inspire your creations, or you can bring a project from home! Find us in the Teen Zone.
Gamers’ Guild (Ages 12-19) – Fridays, December 6,13,20 (4-5:30 pm)
Play games together! Hangout with other local teens while playing games like chess, UNO, Wild Rift using our iPads, retro Nintendo games using our Switch Lites, board games from our Library of Things, or bring your own game to play! Find us in the Teen Zone.
Teen Special Programs
Idaho Teen Reading Challenge (runs October 1 to April 30)
Read 8 books from 10 categories and win prizes! Get 1 prize book for every 4 books you read. Be eligible for a grand prize for reading all 8! (Prizes are specific to the Coeur d’Alene Public Library.) Pick up a Reading Journal (from the Teen Zone) for more information.
What to do when you’re bored (for Teens)
Checkout a D&D Kit, play the library’s Nintendo Switch for 2-hours, make a pinback button, checkout a LOT board game or thing, color an advent-like mini reading challenge page, or fold seasonal origami patterns.
Adult/All Ages Weekly/Biweekly Programs
Yoga for You! (Ages 18+) - Mondays and Fridays except Monday December 23 and Friday. December 27 (9:30 am)
Join us for this Yoga program for adults. This blend of stretching, strengthening and balance work, along with relaxation, may be just what you’re looking for. Come enjoy the many benefits of this ancient practice! Your instructor, Gerry Bryak, will adapt poses to your needs so this yoga is truly for YOU! All levels are welcome, from beginners to experienced. Please bring a mat to class. Starting on September 6th, Yoga for You will be every Monday AND Friday at 9:30. Find us in the Community Room.
Tai Chi & Qi Gong (Ages 18+) - Tuesdays December 3, 10, & 17 (10 am)
Improve strength, balance, coordination, focus, breathwork and relaxation, all while exploring different movements from Tai Chi and Qi Gong styles. All movements can be done within your own comfort zone and mobility level. No special equipment or clothing needed, wear what is comfortable for you. Avoid wearing flip flops or slides. Chairs will be available for those that need to sit or use for extra balance. This program is for anyone at any age and any ability level. Your instructor Christine brings over 25 years of experience in teaching and sharing Tai Chi and Qi Gong. Find us in the Community Room.
Stronger in Body & Mind (Ages 16+) – Wednesdays December 4, 11, & 18 (10 am)
Low-impact fitness & strength training class for all levels of strength. Feel stronger, fitter, refreshed and more focused! Jeannette, a trainer with over a decade of experience, will guide you to work at your own personal level, with modifications as needed. Whole body workout, using dumbbells, body weights, and simple resistance training. We’ll add a bit of cardio, flexibility and finish with a guided mindfulness practice. For any questions email Jeannette at StrongerBodyMind@gmail.com
*It is recommended to please bring a pair of light weights/dumbbells, a mat and a bottle of water! Find us in the Community Room.
Adult/All Ages Special Programs
Beginning Origami (Ages 12+) - Sundays December 1 and January 5 (12-1:30pm)
Join us for a fun and creative origami class open to beginners and all skill levels. Whether you’re new to origami or looking to connect with fellow origamists, these hands-on workshops are open to all and will focus on different projects each month. All materials and instruction will be provided. Find us upstairs in the Nelson Room the first Sunday of each month.
Project: Ornaments, boxes, and snowflakes
Friends of the Library Meeting – Tuesday, December 4 (10:30 am)
The Friends of the Coeur d’Alene Public Library raise funds to support library programs for children and adults, and to purchase special items for the the collection, furnishings, and equipment. This monthly meeting is open to anyone interested in supporting the library.
Work Force Wednesdays
Wednesday, December 4 (9-4 pm) Every first Wednesday of the month, a career coach will be available for drop-in appointments at the CDA Library, in the Nelson Room. Get no-cost services to secure in-demand full-time careers. We connect job seekers with employers, offer on-the-job training and job-shadowing, and provide tuition assistance for certifications. Enhance your resume, ace interviews, and join life skills workshops. We also potentially cover expenses like gas vouchers, tools, equipment, interview clothes, and uniforms. Equus is dedicated to removing barriers and helping you succeed.
Lawyer in the Library (Ages 18+) - Thursday, December 5 and January 2 (4-6 pm)
REGISTER HERE: cdalibrary.org/library-events/lawyer/
The Library is partnering with the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program (IVLP) to provide resources for low-income individuals and families in Idaho who require civil legal services and cannot afford to pay for them. Although they are unable to assist with criminal issues or fee generating cases, these free legal clinics are an opportunity to receive advice and counseling from local attorneys who volunteer their time and expertise. Registration is required and must be done at least 24 hours before the clinic, every first Thursday of the month in the Gozzer Room.
Scribbler’s Society Writing Club (Ages 18+) - Monday, December 9 (2 & 5 pm)
Join fellow writers for an hour of brainstorming, critiquing, and inspiration — in-person every 2nd and 4th Monday from 2-3 and 5-6 in the Gozzer Room. All skill levels and genres welcome. Geared toward adults. Please email lmoore@cdalibrary.org for more information.
Medicare Workshops (Ages 18+) - Wednesday, December 11 (3-4:30 pm)
SHIBA is presenting a series of senior health workshops at the Library. Join us for any of the series. Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) serves Idahoans on Medicare and those who help them by offering free, unbiased Medicare benefits information and assistance through workshops, group presentations and personal counseling. SHIBA is Idaho’s provider for the federal network of State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs). The program is partially funded by and operated under the authority of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living (ACL).
Improv Playground (Ages 15+)- Thursday, December 12 (5:15 pm)
REGISTER HERE: https://levitytheatre.fourthwalltickets.com/classes/the-improv-playground
Want to dip your toes into improv without having to commit to a full-length class? Take a break from the busyness of life and come make up funny stuff with us! This is a FREE-to-attend open improv hangout for people of all (or no) improv experience levels and is designed to be a space for people to take a step from their everyday lives, exercise their creativity, and spend an hour and a half experiencing something new, magical, probably weird, and super FUN! Join us in the Gozzer Room on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month starting in January.
Mindful Doodling (Ages 16+) - Friday, December 13 (4-5 pm)
Holidays got you stressed? Unwind with Mindful Doodling, a cozy, self-directed art program in which we will relax with light music, tea, cider and hot chocolate while doodling elegant patterns on tiles following the ZenTangle © Method. The first half of the program will be spent learning how to make a paper holiday ornament with Zendala tiles, followed by “freestyle” doodling for the rest of the hour (all directions and materials will be provided). No previous art skill required! This program is appropriate for adults, teens, and tweens. The ZenTangle © Method was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas and is copyrighted.
Journaling Together (Ages 16+) – Saturday, December 14 (10:30 am)
Join us in the Nelson room every second Saturday of the month with your journal. Come ready to relax, open your journal, and write. Kim E. Morgan will use self-awareness activities, mindfulness practices, and expressive writing to help you express your most authentic self. Guided journal work will give you skills that clear mental chatter, enhance awareness, and deepen access to the imagination. Let’s journal together toward your authentic self.
Ukulele Club (All Ages) - 2nd Saturday, December 14 (3-4:30 pm)
Want to play ukulele with others? Join local ukulele enthusiast, Brittany Clapp-Abdella, for a monthly community Ukulele Club. Learn to play the ukulele or just join the ukulele jam session. Learn basic skills, such as tuning your strings, chord positions, strumming patterns, etc, as well as songs to reinforce your learning. Find us in the Nelson Room.
At this time, you must bring your own ukulele. If you don’t have one, but you would still like to participate, please contact Angela Flock at aflock@cdalibrary.org
Sit-n-Stitch (Ages 12+) - Wednesday, December 18 (11 am)
New to crochet and knitting? Always wanted to learn? Want to come and craft with some friendly faces? Join us on the third Wednesday of every month for our crochet Sit-n-Stitch! Materials, patterns, and project help will be provided. All skill levels are welcome, feel free to bring your own handwork projects! You can find us this month in the Jameson Room.
Dungeons & Dragons Guild (Ages 13+)- Friday, December 20 (4-7pm)
REGISTER HERE: https://cdalibrary.org/library-events/dd/
Adventurers from all walks of life may participate in one-shot dungeon campaigns for treasure, glory, and fellowship in the Community Room every third Friday of the month from 4pm to 7pm. Campaigns will be based on a simplified version of 2014 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons rules so that anyone can participate. Campaigns hold 3 to 4 players and will be one-shot gaming sessions that finish within 2-3 hours. No follow-up by participants is required. Pre-made character sheets are available, but adventurers may bring their own homemade characters (3rd level only please). Please visit our website for more information. Every Friday will be a new adventure! Wandering adventurers are welcome but registration is encouraged to help us prepare. Adventure, gold, and glory awaits! HUZZAH!
String Caroling with Lake City Strings (All Ages) – Sunday, December 22 (3-5 pm)
We’ve scheduled a seasonal music by local violinists and violists to be performed in the main library stacks! Browse the bookshelves, find a Christmas movie, listen to carols from around the world during this joyful season.
Community Ornament Exchange (All Ages) – November 27 to December 23
Excited for holiday crafting? Want to make something to share with others? Join us with an ongoing homemade ornament exchange here at the library! Visit us between November 27th and December 23rd to leave your ornament on our tree and exchange it for one made by someone else. We’ll provide the tree; you help us fill it up!
Sunday Serenades: Monthly Music Event (All Ages) – Sunday, December 29 (2-3:30 pm)
Welcome to music and community warmth at Sunday Serenades! Join us at the Coeur d'Alene Public Library on the last Sunday of the month for an afternoon of wonderful live music in a cozy, coffee house setting.
Enjoy our talented local musicians while you sip a cup of coffee or tea and nibble a tasty treat. Come -- connect with friends and discover the rich musical talent of our community. This month, we will be serenaded by CDA Brass X 5.
Upcoming performances:
Sunday, December 29 (2-3:30 pm)– CDA Brass X 5 – Holiday Music
Sunday, January 26 (2-3:30 pm)– Lake City Strings Duo
Sunday, February 23 (2-3:30 pm)– Bill Bozly
Sunday, March 16 (2-3:30 pm) - St. Patrick’s Party
The Decorated Journal (Ages 14+) – Saturday, January 4 (10:30 am)
Kick off the new year with a creative journaling workshop focused on intention setting. This program is designed to help you start the year with clarity and purpose by creating a personalized journal that captures your goals and ambitions. Creating a vision board with your journal can help identify and focus your goals. Learn how vision boards work and techniques for making your own with your journal. We will provide art supplies, mini journals, and inspiration to help you clarify and articulate your goals and intentions for the year.
Year of Birthdays: Card Crafting Event – January 4 (1-3 pm)
It’s the new year and we want to help you cross something off of your to-do list, while having fun at the same time. Bring your list of birth dates for all of your friends and family, and craft your birthday cards for the year! Our library will be transformed into a vibrant crafting haven, complete with an array of scrapbook materials. You’ll find patterned cardstock in every color and design imaginable, a plethora of paper punches to create unique shapes and borders, and a treasure trove of embellishments like stickers, ribbons, and stamps. This is the perfect opportunity to get ahead on your birthday greetings while enjoying a fun and social atmosphere. Bring your creativity and leave with a stack of beautiful, handmade cards that will bring joy to your loved ones all year long.
Beginning Origami (Ages 12+)- Sunday, January 5 (12-1:30pm)
Join us for a fun and creative origami class open to beginners and all skill levels. Whether you’re new to origami or looking to connect with fellow origamists, these hands-on workshops are open to all and will focus on different projects each month. All materials and instruction will be provided. Find us upstairs in the Nelson Room the first Sunday of each month.
Project: snowflakes and hexaflexagon fidgets
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